But the man across the room at Studio 450 on Thursday was that Pat Boone.

And he had the room rocking.

An excited crowd of about 200 delegates — all of whom have owned AARP cards for a long time — gathered at the trendy penthouse space overlooking the Hudson River for an early-morning breakfast with the singer who sold more records in the 1950s than anyone except Elvis Presley.

"He is the original American Idol if you stop to think about it," said Jim Martin, president of the 60 Plus Association, a free-enterprise senior citizens advocacy group.

Martin pointed out that Boone's appearance on TheTed Mack Original Amateur Hour in 1954 was his springboard to success.

"He's been entertaining people ever since," Martin said.

Boone, now a spokesman for the 60 Plus Association, didn't sing Thursday because, he explained, "I have a little touch of Kerry flu. It's not bad. It seems to come and go."

But he thrilled his audience by signing copies of American Glory, his CD of patriotic songs, and speaking briefly about his support for President Bush.

At age 70, Boone shows no sign of slowing down. To celebrate a half-century in show business, he plans four more self-produced albums in the next 12 months. Each will be themed to a different music genre — gospel, R&B, country and pop.

So what are his secrets to an active long life?

"Drinking lots of milk, although now it's nonfat. Lots of exercise. And a clean conscience," he said. "If you can go through life without carrying guilt, it's anti-aging."